Great Plains Lending: What to Know Before You Borrow

What Does Great Plains Lending Offer?

Great Plains Lending offers personal installment loans ranging from $300 to $5,000, targeting borrowers with bad or poor credit. The company claims you can be approved in as little as five minutes and receive same-day funding. However, Great Plains Lending is not a direct lender—instead, it acts as a lead generator and may redirect you to another lender, such as American Web Loan. The loans are offered under the Otoe-Missouria Tribe’s laws rather than state law, which can limit your consumer protections. There is no credit check required, making these loans accessible if you have limited or damaged credit.

The Real Cost: What You’ll Actually Pay

The biggest drawback with Great Plains Lending is the extreme cost. APRs run from 119% to 449%, with some reports suggesting even higher rates. To put that in perspective: at the top advertised APR of 448.76%, borrowing $500 for 12 months means you’ll repay $2,294—$1,794 of that is just interest. A $1,000 loan balloons to $4,589 in payback, and $2,500 becomes an overwhelming $11,472. Even if you have poor credit, payday alternative loans from credit unions or local charities can be far less expensive, often with APRs under 36%. High-interest installment loans like these are among the most expensive ways to borrow money.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Great Plains Lending?

If you have no other options and need emergency cash, you might consider Great Plains Lending as a last resort. The lack of a credit check can help if you’ve been denied everywhere else. But if you have access to a credit union, payday alternative loan, family or friends, or even a secured credit card, those are almost always safer and cheaper choices. The enormous interest charges make these loans a risky move for most people. Anyone with alternatives should look elsewhere.

Ratings and Reputation: What Are Borrowers Saying?

Great Plains Lending has a very poor reputation. The Better Business Bureau gives it a 1.0 out of 5 rating and notes the business is not accredited. As of December 2023, the BBB reports they have been unable to contact the company by any method. Trustpilot reviews are not available, even though over 1,300 reviews have been submitted. Hundreds of complaints have been filed with the FTC—461 in just one year (2013–2014). Complaints often focus on the extremely high interest, misleading marketing, and poor customer service.

Red Flags and Major Concerns

There are several serious red flags with Great Plains Lending. First, it is not a direct lender—your application may be passed to other companies, making it hard to know who you’re really borrowing from. The APR is sky-high, with some sources reporting rates well above 400%, and even up to 2,290%. Fees for late payment or insufficient funds are not disclosed, so you could be hit with hidden charges. Regulatory agencies have taken notice: the CFPB ruled in 2017 it has authority to pursue tribal lenders for unfair practices, and the FTC registered hundreds of complaints in a single year. The Intercept has also reported on concerning links between Great Plains Lending and American Web Loan. The lack of transparency, undisclosed fees, and past regulatory scrutiny all point to a lender you should approach with caution.

The Bottom Line: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Great Plains Lending offers quick cash with no credit check, but the real price is staggering. You’ll pay back far more than you borrow—often several times over—due to APRs that can approach or exceed 400%. The company’s reputation is poor, with major complaints and regulatory interest. You don’t get the consumer protections you would with a state-licensed lender, and you may not even know who your final lender is. If you truly have no other options and fully understand the costs, this lender may be an absolute last resort. Anyone else should look for alternatives, such as credit union payday alternative loans, local charities, or even negotiating with creditors for more time. The risks and costs with Great Plains Lending are hard to justify for most borrowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Great Plains Lending report my payments to credit bureaus?

No, your payments to Great Plains Lending are not reported to the major credit bureaus. That means borrowing and repaying these loans will not help you build or repair your credit score.

Can I pay off my loan early to save money?

There is no advertised prepayment penalty, but the lender does not clearly state its policy. If you want to pay off your loan early, get written confirmation from Great Plains Lending about any potential fees or interest recalculation.

Are there safer alternatives to Great Plains Lending?

Yes. If you qualify, consider credit union payday alternative loans, local nonprofits, or negotiating payment plans with creditors. These options usually have much lower interest rates and clearer terms.